Antioxidant
E304, ascorbic acid ester comprising ascorbic acid and palmitic
acid, is prepared synthetically and, like E300,
it is used as an antioxidant, a colour preservative and as a
vitamin supplement but with the added advantage of being fat-soluble
at high temperatures.

Because of its antioxidant synergy with the alpha-tocopherols
E306 and E307
it is likely to be found in combination with these.